Revived Hird intent on proving point at Rovers

DEFENDER Sam Hird has vowed to fight for a future in the Dean Saunders’ revolution at Doncaster Rovers.

Doncaster-born Hird will start his fourth game in a row against Birmingham City today but competition for places at the club is hotting up after the midweek arrival of Senegalese international defender Lamine Diatta.

Hird’s performance at centre-back was undoubtedly one of the highlights of a shock victory over Championship leaders Southampton last weekend but the former Leeds United reserve takes nothing for granted.

“I’ve always had to fight for my place and it’s no different now,” he said. “But having not been in the team much under (former manager) Sean O’Driscoll, it feels like I have got an extra lease of life to impress the new manager and get in the team.

“He has given just about everyone a chance to prove what they can do and I am definitely aiming to stay here and do well.”

Rovers are currently without centre-backs Shelton Martis and Richard Naylor with injuries but Adam Lockwood is back in contention today after serving a three-game ban.

Saunders issued his own challenge to Hird last night saying the 24-year-old has to prove he is truly a ‘Championship player.’

“There are a lot of players who have one good season and then disappear never to be seen again,” said Saunders. “To call yourself a Championship player, you have to perform for five years or go the other way. That’s what all our boys have to do.

“Sam got a bit of a roasting off me against Millwall but he reacted the right way with a great performance against Southampton.”